DIY Landscaping Ideas (with Bobcat Equipment)
Published: February 5, 2025
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How to Use Bobcat Equipment on a DIY Landscaping Weekend Project
So you want to take your yard from ‘meh’ to amazing without spending half a fortune on it? We’re with you. We’ve seen a lot of epic yard transformations, most of them done on a budget. 90% of the time, it came down to having the right equipment on hand. Here’s how to make the most of your yard with Bobcat® machines and a couple DIY landscaping ideas.
DIY Landscaping Ideas – Quick Weekend Projects
1. Leveling & Grading Your Yard
Equipment: Loader
Attachments: Tooth Bucket
You’ve got uneven ground, and you want to fix it. Start with Bobcat skid-steer loader and a tooth bucket. From there, you can smooth out bumpy areas, regrade slopes for better water drainage, and create a more solid foundation.
Pro Tip: If you don’t already have one, renting a tooth bucket attachment is a super budget-friendly way to get an even grade.
2. Create a Custom Dirt Pathway
Equipment: Loader
Attachments: Tooth Bucket, Soil Conditioner
Need a new path through your yard? This could look like creating a walkway to a fire pit or a pathway through a flower garden. For a walkway, we’d use a tooth bucket and a soil conditioner. With these attachments, you can distribute dirt, add edging, and give your walkway a smooth finish. In general, a skid-steer loader is a good choice here. However, if you’re creating a really narrow or intricate walkway, try an MT100 mini track loader.
3. Dig Out a Fire Pit
Equipment: Excavator, Loader
Attachments: Smooth Bucket
Build a fire pit for epic BBQs or late-night hangouts. Using a Bobcat excavator with a 12-18″ bucket, dig out a circular pit, making sure that the depth and diameter fit your needs. From there, use a loader with a smooth bucket to haul and spread gravel around the pit. Level and smooth the gravel with the bucket. Get some firewood, chairs, and S’mores, and enjoy!
4. Plant Trees
Equipment: Excavator
Attachments: Auger, Bucket
Plant some trees if you want to add more shade and privacy to your yard. With an auger attachment and an excavator, dig a hole 2-3 times wider than the tree’s root ball. Loosen the roots on the tree and place it in the hole. Switch to the bucket attachment to backfill the hole with the soil you removed. If you use an excavator on a project like this, you’re going to see more professional-looking landscaping results, especially if you’re trying to plant an even row of new trees.
Pro Tip: Don’t forget to add compost / mulch for healthier, longer lasting growth.
5. Clear a Pasture
Equipment: Loader or Compact Tractor
Attachments: Brushcat™ Rotary Cutter
Want to clear out your pasture for a fresh, spring start? Let’s start with this question: are you dealing with a super uneven, heavily wooded, or tight area? If you are, start with a loader and the Brushcat™ rotary cutter attachment. Remove shrubs, small trees, or thick undergrowth to create an open, flat space. If your space is already pretty open and flat, use a compact tractor and a rotary cutter implement instead. This will quickly clear out tall grass and brush.
6. Remove Unwanted Trees or Stumps
Equipment: Loader
Attachments: Root Grapple, Stump Grinder, Tooth Bucket, Grapple Bucket
Clearing out dead or poorly placed trees and stumps is one of the most satisfying landscaping projects. To start, safely fell the tree and cut it into smaller sections. Using a loader and a root grapple, expose the roots around the stump and break the roots. Pull out the stump. Or, instead of pulling it out, you can use a stump grinder attachment to grind up the stump to ground level or below. From there, switch to the tooth bucket to backfill the hole. Then use a grapple bucket to pile up logs and branches.
What We Rent
We rent skid-steer loaders, compact excavators, and a large range of attachments to help you take on DIY landscaping projects. Talk to our Rental team to get started!
Rental Rates
Skid-Steer Loaders*:
- Daily: $200-325
- Weekly: $615-975
- Monthly: $1,700-2,500
Compact Excavators*:
- Daily: $225-500
- Weekly: $675-1,500
- Monthly: $1,800-3,600
Call for Pricing on Loader & Excavator Attachments
*Note: Prices are subject to change and may vary by location. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, please visit Bobcat of Indy’s rental page.